Read what the Jockeys and Trainers said following the Russell Balding Stakes 2025.
Winning Trainers: Ciaron Maher (Johann Gerard-Dubord comments)
On the win: “It was well deserved obviously. He has been running big races all prep. His run in The Everest was huge. To back it up two weeks later, after such a big run, it was not easy to do. He is such a tough horse. It was a very good ride from Ethan.”
“The inside has been a bit off. He was about to stay in the right part of the track without losing momentum. Well deserved for the horse. He keeps getting better. He has raced on soft tracks in the past but not that rain affected. A great thrill to get a big bonus today. A lot of good money in Sydney.”
On how he can be ridden: “I think there is a bit of maturing too. Obviously his biggest asset is his turn of foot. We tried to turn that this prep and we found out in The Everest that he is able to do it even doing work early. An extra 100m today with a beautiful ride, it was well deserved.”
On the owners: “A great group of owners who have a lot of fun with him. He comes back better every prep and I think he will just keep improving. Plenty more good wins coming up.”
On backing up: “He deserves a spell and see how he pulls up. But it is something to discuss. We did that with Bella last year. It is never out of the equation. He’s done a great job.”
Winning Jockey: Ethan Brown (Jimmysstar)
On the horse: “I love this horse so much. He’s a beauty and he’s just he’s matured and he knows what it’s about.”
“I know he’s older now but Ciaron has just had him here in the best possible order every start. He was entitled to probably feel the pinch off the last run, and Ciaron just guided him through to this race. And he performed like it was his grand final.
On riding him closer: “I spoke to him behind the gates and said, ‘you’ve got to jump better.’ He did jump better but he’s just a bit sluggish there, and that’s just him.
“But the beauty of a good draw, we’re able to overcome that and get him into gear. Once we found our spot, he had a beautiful resting run on a good speed and just had to trust his finish.
“That’s what I said to the team and everyone was aware of that. That’s what he can do and he certainly showed his true colours today.”
Beaten Jockeys:
Tyler Schiller (Briasa): “I think he has just had enough. He travelled lovely and had the winner where we needed him. He quickened better and got all the splits. We were left wanting. He has earned a break and has done a good job. Will come back better next time.”
Tim Clark (War Machine): “I thought he executed much better today early in the race. Got himself into a good spot. Just struggled to pick up on that testing ground.”
Nash Rawiller (Private Eye): “I was gone after 100m. Just didn’t handle that ground at all. Lost all his confidence coming out of the chute. To his credit he picked up at the top of the rise and gave a good kick. Was forced to come down the worse part of the track I think.”
Jason Collett (Rothfire): “Struggled in the ground today. First one under pressure a long way from home.”
Josh Parr (Iowna Merc): “He despised the ground.”
Joao Moreira (Strauss): “Disappointing race to be very honest because he did so much wrong and could have finished so much closer.”
Dylan Gibbons (Waterford): “He did a respectable job. He got wiped out early and had to regather him after that.”
Tom Marquand (Golden Mile): “Jumped into a really good spot early. Grabbed at the loose ground a few times. Probably just needed time to tighten up again.”
Zac Lloyd (Airman): “Just didn’t want to be there today. Never began, never travelled which is unlike him. Probably put it down to the ground.”
James McDonald (Lady Shenandoah): “Gee she was brave on those heavy conditions. Class got her to where she has finished.”
Rachel King (Mazu): “Super run. He is going really well that horse at the moment. He is getting better and better with age. Very brave today.”
Alysha Collett (With Your Blessing): “Very brave run from him.”
Chad Schofield (Coal Crusher): “Very good run. Did it tough from the widest barrier. Very brave and on track for The Hunter.”
Regan Bayliss (Amor Victorious): “Terrific first up performance. In for a good prep.”
